Japanese Alps Hiking Tour: Shinhotaka-Yari-Kamikochi circuit

Complete the Shinhotaka-Yari-Kamikochi circuit and hike up Mount Yari, dubbed the "Matterhorn of Japan" with expert local guide Shinsaku! For 3 days, explore the stunning landscapes shaped by millennia of natural forces, revealing diverse flora and fauna as the snow melts. Get ready to uncover the geographic wonders of the Japanese Alps firsthand!

Private

Japan Alps

3 Days

Jul - Nov

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Led by English speaking UIMLA Certified hiking guide who maximizes safety as well as implement risk management.

Discover geographic uniqueness in Japan Alps!

Experience memorable and deep adventure escaping from the urban area.

Description

Come with me, to explore the remote expanse of Japan's Alps! For 3 days, we'll hike across some of the most stunning geography of Japan's wildest corners - all with the help of a local, certified mountain guide from July until November 2nd!

Mount Yari, ranked among Japan's Top 100 mountains, is famed for its formidable spear-like silhouette. Also known as the "Matterhorn of Japan," this formation dates back all the way to the Ice Age. Now, you have the unique opportunity to traverse this ancient giant.

While the glaciers have long receded, the stunning geography of the Japan Alps serves as a testament to the natural forces at work over millennia. As the snow melts, revealing precious flora and fauna, we're offered a glimpse into the intricate ecosystem of this region, reminding us of the incredible power of nature.

Let's discover together the geographic uniqueness of the Japanese Alps!

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Transportation start and back

Price details

What is Included:

- Guide fee.

- Transportation from Matsumoto to Hirayu Onsen parking.

What is Not Included:

- Accommodation costs.

- Transportation from Hirayu Onsen to the trailhead.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Meeting Point: 6:00 AM at Matsumoto Station

Transportation: Guide drives to Hirayu Onsen parking

7:40 AM: Bus to Shinhotaka trailhead (JPY 910 per person)

8:16 AM: Estimated arrival at Shinhotaka trailhead (Alt: 1107m / 3632ft)

8:30 AM: Departure / Entering the trail

2:00 PM: Arrival at Yaridaira Hut (Alt: 1984m / 6509ft)

5:45 PM: Dinner

8:00 PM: Lights off

Total Activity on the Trail: 5 hours 30 minutes

Distance: 8.6 km / 5.34 miles

Elevation Gain: 877m / 2877ft

Accommodation Cost: JPY 15,000 per person x number of participants (plus a guide)

Includes: 2 meals and lunch box

Day 2:

5:00 AM: Wake up

5:45 AM: Breakfast

6:30 AM: Departure (Alt: 1984m / 6509ft)

12:00 PM: Estimated arrival at Yarigatake Sanso Hut / Lunch break

1:00 PM: Summit climb (Helmet rental at hut: JPY 500) (Alt: 3180m / 10433ft)

2:00 PM: Pick up luggage at Yarigatake Sanso Hut

2:40 PM: Estimated arrival at Hutte Oyari (Alt: 2884m / 9462ft)

5:00 - 5:30 PM: Dinner

5:49 PM: Sunset observation （As of middle of September)

8:30 PM: Lights off

Total Activity on the Trail: 7 hours 10 minutes

Distance: 5.1 km / 3.17 miles

Elevation Gain: 1196m / 3924ft

Accommodation Cost: JPY 15,500 per person (including 2 meals and lunch box)

Payment: Payable upon check-in

Day 3: Hike towards Kamikochi

4:00 AM: Wake up

4:15 - 5:00 AM: Breakfast

6:00 AM: Departure (Alt: 2884m / 9462ft)

3:00 PM: Arrival at Kamikochi Bus Terminal / Dismiss group (Alt: 1501m / 4925ft)

Total Activity on the Trail: 9 hours

Distance: 18.3 km / 11.37 miles

Elevation Loss: 1383m / 4537ft

Details

Accommodation

We'll be staying in a comfortable mountain hut

Disclaimer

Clients are responsible for a guide's accommodation costs at the mountain hut for 2 nights.
In unexpected circumstances that require an extended stay, clients are responsible for the additional guide expenses.
If the guide determines that clients cannot complete the hike after checking the performance, the group may turn back to the nearest trailhead, even if the destination is not reached.
Clients are responsible for cancellation costs for reserved huts if the group cannot reach the planned accommodation.
The guide may decide to use evacuation routes or turn back if weather conditions worsen, affecting the safety of the traverse.

More info

- Participants must be able to hike up to 10 hours a day.

- Age limit: Under 50 years old.

- No significant medical history and not overweight.

Meeting point

Matsumoto Station

Equipment you will need to bring

Water bottle

Backpack

Poles

Sunglasses

About the guide

Shinsaku

5.0

(3)

Mountain Leader

Languages

English | Japanese

Certificates

JMGA | UIMLA

Request more information

What people are saying about this trip

Pierre

Just a wonderful experience with Hama.

Patrick

What a great experience! The summit, the mountain hut, and Hama's great personality were the highlights of the trip. Highly recommend!

Melinda

Hama was amazing! A thorough preparation, excellent communication from the booking until the end of the experience. Very considerate to ensure pace matched ability. Safety was a high focus and we felt in very capable hands. Hama's knowledge of the country, region and mountain was excellent which enriched our experience. Thank you so much! Would definitely recommend Hama and Explore-Share :)